I've recently written several articles for people who wish to take their horse competing for the first time
. It can be a very enjoyable experience but it can also be overwhelming and daunghting as there is a lot to learn and know. You should be at a competent riding level to compete as it can be extremely dangerous. This article will continue from where I left off with my previous articles. I hope you find these tips and advice as useful as the last.
If you wish to take up show jumping, hunter trials or cross country it's worth making sure you're as safe as possible. Safety stirrups will allow you to get free if you where to fall off and get your foot trapped in the stirrup. Safety stirrups aren't very expensive and it's well worth the money. Along with this things such as over girths and body protectors are important as a body protector will prevent you from seriously harming your upper body and a over girth will reduce the amount of movement in your saddle whilst doing cross country.
Don't forget that dependent on what your horse does it may build up a lot of sweat and if it's cold you're likely to make it stiff so have show sheets and other rugs at the ready to keep them warm. If you're purchasing show sheets I would purchase a light weight one for the summer and a heavy weight one for the winter so that it doesn't get too cold or too hot.
If you're doing show jumping or cross country make sure to boot or bandage your horse up well so they're as safe as possible and will not hurt their legs.
All riding hats should be tested to the latest safety standards and some competitions will check your hats for this.
Don't allow horses to drink a lot after hard exercise but if you're at the show ground all day make sure there is plenty of water so they stay hydrated. The same applies for food they shouldn't eat a large amount before or after hard work.
Some show grounds will expect you to inform them that you have arrived if youve already paid and booked prior to your arrive so its always worth checking this before you expect to go into the show ring.
Show grounds can be stressful places for horses and sometimes on rare occasions it can make some stressful horses ill so if this should ever happen make sure you always have the vets number to hand. If its a big event you may find that there is an on call vet on site. This often also applies for an on site farrier too.